Thornton in US deal with Andersen

ACCOUNTANT and financial adviser Grant Thornton is expanding in the US with the takeover of five Arthur Andersen offices. The deal, which strengthens Thornton's middle market position in America, takes in offices in Charlotte, Greensboro, Columbia, Orlando and Albuquerque. A total of 38 Andersen partners and 330 staff will join Thornton.

Ed Nusbaum, Thornton's chief executive officer in the US, said: 'These offices and staff have served middle market clients extremely well and we are thrilled to welcome them.' Talks are copntinuing between Thornton and Andersen in the US on the possibility of further acquisitions.